Hateley issues Beale with dire consequences of losing at Celtic Park

Mark Hateley has warned Michael Beale about the consequences of losing to Celtic on April 8.

In just over three weeks time the Ibrox boss has the chance to make up for his side’s defeat in the final of the Viaplay Cup and inflict some damage of Celtic’s bid to retain the SPFL title.

Going into Saturday’s match against Hibs the hoops have a 100% home record with a number of records in sight.

Beale took much of the flack for his side’s performance in the Viaplay Cup Final, a massive improvement is expected when the two sides meet again with the honeymoon well and truly over for the former QPR boss.

Picking up on Hateley’s appearance on the Grosvenor podcast, the Daily Record reports the former England striker warning:

Michael [Beale] is a smart guy. He knows the demands and expectations. He came in knowing there were nine players out of contract so he will have been working immediately on replacing the ones that he won’t keep.

However, he has to keep getting performances and victories out of players that won’t be here next season and he has been managing to do that. But he has to find a way to get a win against Celtic.

If he loses the league match on April 8, the tsunami will only get closer and closer until it comes crashing down – but that’s what being at Rangers is all about. You have to handle that pressure.

Of course, if Rangers can finish the season strongly, win the semi-final and lift the Cup it will be a huge springboard for next season. Lose, and the opposite is true as Celtic will be strolling to a Treble. You have to beat the best no matter what round it is and Celtic have proven to be the best on all fronts this season.

Beale’s side face Motherwell and Dundee United before the derby clash with Celtic taking on Hibs at home and Ross County away.